TRC in Egypt?

Truth & Reconciliation:  Could Egyptian society benefit from S. Africa's experience towards national unity?

This was the topic last night at “The Cairo Conversation” held at the El Sawy Culture Wheel in Zamalek.  At the end of the night, one thing was clear; the Egyptian revolution “succeeded” in 18 days, but we are still far from reaching national unity and implement democratic values.

The gathering was well organized and attended by both Egyptians and expats.  The event was moderated by Bart Burghgraef, Project director for MasterPeace (www.masterpeace.org) who lives in Cairo.  He was privileged to be in South Africa in 1999 to witness their Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in action, and is sharing the legacy of South Africa’s transition to democracy with the Egyptian community, to spark dialogue and further debate among Egyptians on the subject. 

Our education on the subject was given quite eloquently by Mrs. Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, Her Highness the South African Ambassador to Egypt.

She described the years of clashes, battles and demonstrations. She praised the leadership of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other anti-Apartheid icons for mobilizing the people and championing the vision of a democratic future.  Even though almost all leaders were imprisoned and created tremendous suffering for the families, they used wisdom and foresight to build a clear vision for the black South Africans.  Strong community organizations were in place, representing women, youth and all various groups of the society.  Their input was crucial during the writing of the Bill of Rights which defined and ensured the rights of the citizens.

Most important to the recovery process was a spirit of Ubuntu (a word from the Bantu language of South Africa meaning the interconnectedness and generosity of the human soul). In his book, No Future without Forgiveness, Archbishop Desmond Tutu describes

 "A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed."

 There was acceptance that each South African (black and white) belonged to one another and must travel the road together. It was important, however, to expose apartheid as the evil that it was. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a public, televised forum which allowed that process to unfold. In a court-like restorative justice body, victims and perpetrators of injustice were witnessed, recorded, arranged reparation, rehabilitation and occasionally granted amnesty. The victim and the perpetrator were heard and acknowledged.

Admittedly, the TRC was not extensively used by all victims of apartheid, but it was effective in starting the healing process and greatly increasing forgiveness and reconciliation.  South Africa, she states, may still have all the same societal challenges that other countries deal with, but they are very proud of their young 17 year democratic era.  The country has established community resources and political movements that until today remain unhindered by government interference. 

The Ambassador’s speech left us eager to discuss what this could mean for Egyptians.  We broke into smaller groups where we each discussed our thoughts, feelings and hopes, whether they be positive or negative.  Each group gathered a consensus on key points and prepared to share them with the larger group at the end of the session.

So, before I move on to blog about points that were raised by the groups last night, I want to encourage you, my valued reader, to stop and chart out a few thoughts for yourself.  I would love for you to post them as comments, and encourage your contacts and friends to do the same, especially those who are Egyptian or living in Egypt right now.  (Please remember, no cursing, even in Arabic).  The more we circulate the topic and open up dialogue, the faster we can reach a united goal.

Stay tuned for my next blog…..”Hmm...Define Forgiveness?”